I noticed in a Benson Days video that a Niki Rotor Lightning was there this year. Did anybody get a good look at it or even take a ride?
http://www.nikiaviation.com/en/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPvCfML5ZRc
I'm a big fan of the tandem dual clam shell doors design. I like the DTA J-Ro for the same reason but DTA does not sell it in kit form.
http://www.dta.fr/JRo/indexJroGB.html
I also noticed that Helicopters International in FL is/was selling the Lightning and I'd imagine it was them that had it at Benson Days.
http://www.lightningautogyro.com/(S(wb2we0o3bxouv0hwpwxtvjjd))/lightning.aspx
The prop shaft passthrough tail design of the Lightning is interesting and makes for a sleek look and an efficient tail. It originally had a D-Motor L-26 but by the updated specs on the Niki Rotor website it seems it's now using a Rotax 912. The downside, now that its using a Rotax, is an unnecessary belt reduction drive which is clearly a failure point. Interesting Niki came out with a typical tail boom design in the Kallithea... why?
http://www.dmotorusa.com/D-motor-LF26-LF39.htm
http://www.nikiaviation.com/en/models/kallithea/specs
Some my be thinking... Why not just buy a Calidus kit? Well, as some may know from my posts I don't like the single overhead cockpit doors due to the likely hood of being trapped after a crash landing. I also want to wear a helmet and I don't think there's enough headroom in the Calidus given I'm 6'4".
Not much talk on the Niki gyros so I'd be interested in any opinions.
Thanks
John
http://www.nikiaviation.com/en/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPvCfML5ZRc
I'm a big fan of the tandem dual clam shell doors design. I like the DTA J-Ro for the same reason but DTA does not sell it in kit form.
http://www.dta.fr/JRo/indexJroGB.html
I also noticed that Helicopters International in FL is/was selling the Lightning and I'd imagine it was them that had it at Benson Days.
http://www.lightningautogyro.com/(S(wb2we0o3bxouv0hwpwxtvjjd))/lightning.aspx
The prop shaft passthrough tail design of the Lightning is interesting and makes for a sleek look and an efficient tail. It originally had a D-Motor L-26 but by the updated specs on the Niki Rotor website it seems it's now using a Rotax 912. The downside, now that its using a Rotax, is an unnecessary belt reduction drive which is clearly a failure point. Interesting Niki came out with a typical tail boom design in the Kallithea... why?
http://www.dmotorusa.com/D-motor-LF26-LF39.htm
http://www.nikiaviation.com/en/models/kallithea/specs
Some my be thinking... Why not just buy a Calidus kit? Well, as some may know from my posts I don't like the single overhead cockpit doors due to the likely hood of being trapped after a crash landing. I also want to wear a helmet and I don't think there's enough headroom in the Calidus given I'm 6'4".
Not much talk on the Niki gyros so I'd be interested in any opinions.
Thanks
John